Cecil Brake

Cecil Cleo Brake, 90, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at Mark Twain Care Center.

Cecil was born Sept. 25, 1930 to Elmer and Maud Johnston Brake in Poplar Bluff. He and Audrey Nadine Atnip were married Oct. 15, 1950 in Poplar Bluff. She passed away Nov. 14, 2014.

He was a 1948 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School.

He served continuously from Oct. 8, 1947 to Sept. 24, 1990 in the Missouri Army National Guard. He attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer W4. He retired as a full time technician from the National Guard with over 41 years of full time service. He served on active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm from Jan. 28, 1991 to Aug. 2, 1991. He served in a provisional company of the 140th Infantry, 35th Infantry Division to honor President Harry S. Truman upon his arrival in Little Rock, Arkansas in June 1949. His awards included The Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal and other awards.

He knew Jesus as his Savior and was active in the South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church serving as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He was a member of Gideons International and Military Officers Association.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and hiking on mountain trails in Colorado with family.

Cecil is survived by two sons, James C. Brake and wife Candace Q. Brake of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Douglas R. Brake and wife Donna S. Brake of Denver, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Seth D. Brake of Denver, North Carolina, Luke D. Brake and wife Sarah B. Brake of Memphis, Tennessee and Hope D. Brake of Denver, North Carolina; a great-grandchild, Clara J. Brake of Memphis, Tennessee; and two brothers, Elmer Eugene Brake and wife Joyce of Rochelle, Illinois, Larry Joe Brake and wife Maggie of Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Cecil was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Roy E. Brake.

Memorials may be sent to the South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church or The Gideons International.

The family plans to hold a memorial service when circumstances allow.

Cotrell Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.